We only have one planet to call home, so doing what we can to take care of it in every aspect of our lives is important. This can extend into your home life. With each passing year, more and more eco-friendly and energy-efficient home options and products become available. And by investing in each of these options, you help the planet and save money.
Making your St. Louis home more energy efficient is a great way to achieve both of these goals. And implementing energy-efficient aspects to your home can be easy! Here are a few ways you can do just that:
Replace Your Light Bulbs
Simply replacing your incandescent light bulbs for LED ones is an easy way to save energy in your home. Not only do LED bulbs last longer than florescent, meaning you will purchase less and keep from discarding fewer bulbs, but switching can also save you money.
LED bulbs are now far more affordable than they used to be. You can easily find affordable bulbs at your local home improvement store or online. Buying larger packs to replace multiple bulbs at one time can make LED Bulbs as cheap as $1.50 and save a ton of energy at home. Making this change at an affordable cost while also saving energy can put savings back into your wallet.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows
One of the best ways to save energy in your home is installing new, energy-efficient replacement windows. The number one place that heat escapes your home is through windows. In fact, the US Department of Energy states that nearly 30% of heat energy loss takes place through windows while also stating that 48% of the average US household’s energy goes to heating and cooling the home. This makes windows one of the biggest sources of energy loss in a home.
Simply replacing your current windows — especially if those windows are damaged, rundown, or lacking proper sealing — will automatically save energy. But upgrading to energy-efficient windows, such as ones with high R values, Low-emittance, and low visible transmittance, will save even greater amounts of energy.
While there are many energy-efficient replacement windows available, look for windows with fiberglass frames. Fiberglass frames are a simple polymer reinforced with strands of pulled glass. Air is trapped inside creating a highly insulated frame. Fiberglass frames, such as Infinity® from Marvin windows fiberglass frames, have even been known to reduce energy costs up to 40% more than other frame options.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Companies have made tremendous strides in creating energy-efficient products. Appliances are no different. Roughly 20% of the energy used in a US household is due to appliances and electronics. Therefore reducing the energy usage of these items will lower monthly bills. You can look for sales throughout the year and upgrade your appliances one at a time.
Invest in Insulated Siding
Insulation plays a key role in the temperature of your home. Have you ever noticed a room that never seems to heat up in the winter or cool down in the summer? This is likely due to poor insulation.
Insulated siding adds an initial layer of insulation directly under the siding.
If you experience high monthly energy bills, it may be time to invest in new, insulated siding. The added insulation helps trap the heat or air conditioning inside of your home rather than escaping through the walls, which will lessen bills and keep you from wasting energy.
Insulated siding also:
- Creates a more comfortable and cozy environment inside your home
- Provides a mild impact barrier for your siding (in case of shock)
- Generates a sound barrier from the outside world
- Increases home value
- Adds instant curb appeal with a new siding update
New, durable siding can also be eco-friendly in that siding such as vinyl or fiber cement can last for years. With their durability and resistance to the elements and pests, these forms of siding can protect your home for a long time, lessening the need for siding replacements and keeping waste out of landfills.
Maintain or Replace Your HVAC
The harder your HVAC has to work at pumping air into your home, the more energy it expends. Cleaning out and maintaining your HVAC helps preserve it and keep it in top working condition for a longer period of time. (This includes cleaning out both the HVAC’s ducts and the air filters around your home.) Not to mention, the cleaner your HVAC the cleaner the air in your home.
If your HVAC is giving you problems or is an older model, it may be time for a replacement. Newer HVAC units are more energy efficient and are created to function at a higher level than older models.
Lakeside Renovation & Design Can Help Your Efficiency
At Lakeside Renovation & Design, we make energy efficiency a priority. We have been helping St. Louis homeowners for 21 years. We install thermally efficient and low maintenance products to keep your lifestyle simple and cost efficient.
We have a special service department that is focused on providing you with a personal and positive experience. Updating your home can be simple and stress free.
Learn more about our energy-efficient products. Contact us today at (636) 978-5000 to schedule a free consultation, and begin the process of saving the planet and your wallet one home improvement project at a time.
